THE Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival presents its annual production at the Mannville Open Air Theatre, St. George’s Park, from today, March 11 to March 21.
This year the production is in the directorial hands of multi-award-winning director, Lesley Barnard. This year’s production of Romeo and Juliet will appeal to both the young and stalwart Shakespearean lovers alike.
With a twist in the tale with the Houses of Montague and Capulet being represented as two opposing fashion houses, gender-bending, cross-dressing, hip-hop dancing and some very alternative costuming, the traditional tale will still be told in Shakespearean text and promises to hold all of the magic, love, joy and sadness of this best-known love story of all time.
In the titular roles of Romeo and Juliet are two well-known young performers who have graced many a stage in Port Elizabeth – Daniel Hamilton and Gemma Barnard.
Bennie Gerber doubles up as Tybalt and as choreographer for the production and stalwart, Leslie Speyers, will bring his unique interpretation to the role of Capulet.
Shakespearean regulars, Brett Adkins and Arthur Daniels will play the roles of Friar Laurence and Count Paris respectively.
Audiences are invited to book a table, should they so wish, or to simply bring their blankets, picnic baskets and plenty of mosquito repellent and to enjoy the novelty and beauty of open-air theatre, either on the grass or on the chairs provided. Tickets for adults are R80, and R60 for learners and pensioners.
The box office will be open one hour prior to the performance or bookings can be made ahead through Brigitte on 084 560 0912.
School block bookings may be made on 084 560 0912 or through Helen on 041 581 1738.
